Navigate Punta Gorda, Belize: Travel Tips

Punta Gorda, the southernmost town in Belize, is a seaport and fishing centre on the Caribbean Sea. It is the capital of the Toledo District and is home to over 5,000 people from various ethnic groups. The town is accessible by air, road, and water. Flights are available from Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, and the journey from Belize City by road takes around four hours. Alternatively, water taxis run daily from Puerto Barrios in Guatemala, and directly from Livingston, Guatemala, on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Travel by bus, plane, or water taxi

Travel by Bus

James Bus Line is based in Punta Gorda and offers a regular service to points north, such as Independence, Dangriga, Belmopan, and Belize City.

Travel by Plane

Punta Gorda is served by one airport, Charlotte County Airport (PGD). It is the southernmost sizable town in Belize, with a population of about 5,000 people. The town is accessible via domestic flights from Maya Island Air and Tropic Air.

Travel by Water Taxi

Water taxis offer daily crossings from Punta Gorda to Puerto Barrios and twice-weekly service to Livingston in Guatemala. These services are provided by small, open boats, unlike the purpose-built water taxis that serve the routes between Belize City and the northern cayes.

Explore the Mayan ruins

Punta Gorda, located in the Toledo District of Belize, is a small coastal town with a rich history and stunning landscapes. The town offers a range of activities, including exploring the nearby rainforest and Mayan ruins. Here is some information to help you explore the Mayan ruins around Punta Gorda:

Lubaantun

The Mayan ruins of Lubaantun are located just a few miles from Punta Gorda. These ruins are believed to have been built between the 7th and 9th centuries and offer a glimpse into the history of the ancient Mayan civilisation. Lubaantun is one of the largest Mayan sites in the south, featuring three ball courts and five main plazas. The entire site was constructed without mortar, with each stone carefully measured and cut to fit perfectly together. The Lubaantun ruins are open to visitors and provide an opportunity to learn about the Mayan culture and architecture.

Nim Li Punit

Nim Li Punit is another Mayan site located near the village of Indian Creek. This site derives its name from a carving on the longest of its 26 stelae, with the 17-meter long Stelae, 14 being the longest discovered in Belize. Nim Li Punit is considered a small Mayan site, but it features an unusual stella that makes it unique. This site is also known for its well-preserved ball court structures and is a great place to learn about Mayan games and rituals.

Uxbenka and Pusil Ha

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore some off-the-beaten-path Mayan ruins, consider visiting Uxbenka in Santa Cruz Village and Pusil Ha in San Benito near Jalacte. These sites are located off the main tourist trail and require a mini Maya expedition involving jungle exploration and navigating dirt roads. Uxbenka and Pusil Ha offer a more intimate and tranquil experience, allowing you to connect with nature and imagine the lives of the ancient Mayans in these secluded locations.

San Pedro Columbia

San Pedro Columbia is home to beautiful and uncrowded Mayan ruins that have been well-excavated. These ruins include a small visitors' centre, providing context and information about the site. San Pedro Columbia is also associated with the supernatural, as the Mitchell-Hedges Crystal Skull was allegedly discovered here in the 1920s. This site offers a blend of history, mystery, and cultural insights into the Mayan civilisation.

When exploring the Mayan ruins in and around Punta Gorda, it is important to respect the local culture, traditions, and environment. These sites are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Mayan people, and by visiting them, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in their ancient world.

Visit the street market

Punta Gorda, or PG as it's known locally, is the capital of the Toledo District in Belize. It's a small, walkable town with a population of around 5,000 people. The town is known for its street market, which takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

The market is located on Front Street, one of the town's five main streets, and is a hub of activity during the day. Vendors from the outlying Toledo villages travel into PG to sell their wares, which include locally grown fruits and vegetables, homemade chocolate, and copal incense. You can also find exotic local produce, souvenirs, and fresh fish from returning fishermen.

The market is open in the morning, and it's a great place to interact with locals and get a taste of the 'real' Belize. It's also a good opportunity to try some traditional Mayan food, as the ladies from the villages cook and sell their dishes daily.

After visiting the market, you can explore the rest of the town, including the nearby clock tower on Main Street and Central Park. You can also walk to the tiny beach near the cemetery, or rent a bike and cycle to Boom Creek Village to cool off in the Moho River.

If you're looking for an authentic Belizean experience and a chance to interact with locals, the Punta Gorda street market is a must-visit.

Take a day trip to Livingston, Guatemala

To get to Punta Gorda, the southernmost town in Belize, you can take a bus or a flight. There are several daily buses between Belize City and Punta Gorda, with James Bus Line offering the most frequent service. The bus journey takes around 5-6 hours and costs $12 each way. Alternatively, you can fly to Punta Gorda from the international airport or the Belize Municipal Airstrip. Flights with Maya and Tropic cost around $120.75 each way from the international airport or $102 from the municipal airstrip.

Once you've reached Punta Gorda, you can take a day trip to Livingston, Guatemala. There are direct boats from Punta Gorda to Livingston, departing at 10 am on Tuesdays and Fridays and returning daily at 3 pm. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs $17. There is a departure tax of $37.50 at the immigration office located at the dock.

Livingston is a small town on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala, with a unique cultural heritage and a vibrant Garifuna community. The town is only accessible by boat, which adds to its allure and sense of adventure. You won't find any ruins or heritage sites in Livingston, but it's worth exploring the town's vibrant culture and nearby natural attractions.

• Explore the Caribbean side of town: Head north from the ferry dock to experience the local Garifuna vibe. Enjoy the local bars and restaurants along the beach and soak in the unique atmosphere.
• Visit the "Savior of the World": Keep an eye out for the Salvador del Mundo statue, Livingston's patron saint. Although you can't visit the statue up close due to choppy seas, it's worth admiring from a distance with a cold drink in hand.
• Early morning walks along the Rio Dulce: Take a stroll along the road heading southwest from the Parque Municipal, especially at sunrise or sunset. Experience the bustling harbour as fishing boats return with their nightly catch, and enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals go about their daily lives.
• Eating and shopping along Calle Principal: Stroll along Livingston's main street to discover local shops and sample delicious Garifuna cuisine at restaurants like Happy Fish and Antojitos Gaby.
• Day trips to nearby attractions: Consider visiting Siete Altares and Playa Blanca, or go jungle hiking at Finca Tatin. Livingston is also a great jumping-off point for exploring the region's scenic destinations, such as Southern Belize, Semuc Champey, and the Honduran coast.

Go snorkelling

Punta Gorda, the capital of the Toledo District in Belize, is a great destination for snorkelling. Here are some tips and suggestions for going snorkelling in and around Punta Gorda:

Getting to Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is a small fishing town on the Caribbean Sea, with a population of about 5,000 people. It is accessible by car, bus, plane, and boat. If you're already in Belize, you can take a bus or drive to Punta Gorda. The drive from Belize City is approximately four hours, while the bus ride can take between 5 to 6.5 hours. There is also a small airport in Punta Gorda that serves domestic flights. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi or boat from Puerto Barrios or Livingston in Guatemala.

Snorkelling in Punta Gorda

Snorkelling is a popular activity in Punta Gorda, and there are several great spots to explore:

• Snake Cayes: The Snake Cayes are a group of four islands (East, West, South, and Middle) located about 18 miles (30 km) northeast of Punta Gorda. They are known for their rich marine life and are great for snorkelling. The turquoise waters and white-sand beaches make for a beautiful setting.
• Sapodilla Cayes: These cayes are located within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system and are a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkelling. They are further off the coast (about 40 miles or 64 km), so a day trip can be more expensive. However, they offer a great opportunity to see a variety of exotic tropical sea creatures.
• Port Honduras Marine Reserve: Located just north of Punta Gorda, this marine reserve offers another excellent snorkelling spot. You can also go diving or fishing in this area.
• Belize Barrier Reef: The Sapodilla Cayes are located at the southern end of the Belize Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef system in the world. This vast reef system offers countless opportunities for snorkelling and exploring the underwater world.
• Local Tours: There are several local tour operators, such as Kaimani Marine Tours and Garbutt's Marine, that offer snorkelling trips to nearby cayes and marine areas. These tours typically include equipment and guidance, making them a convenient option.

Other Activities in Punta Gorda

In addition to snorkelling, Punta Gorda offers a range of other activities:

• Explore the Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit Maya sites to discover ancient Mayan history and impressive stone structures.
• Visit the Rio Blanco Falls in the Rio Blanco National Park for a refreshing swim and birdwatching opportunities.
• Indulge in chocolate tours and learn about the process of making chocolate, from picking cacao fruit to grinding beans.
• Immerse yourself in the local culture, including the Garifuna and Maya traditions, through music, cuisine, and craft-making.
• Go scuba diving, river rafting, ziplining, or fishing to further explore the natural wonders of the region.

Frequently asked questions